I have some questions on my newly remodelled 5.5g tank. Not sure if this can be called NPT since the substrate is Floramix.

Questions:
The tank is in the process of cycling and I am wondering if I need to restart the cycle by doing a 100% WC, if Fred gets fin rot or other illness or if moving him to a QT tank will suffice?

I will be moving the plants around a bit to get a better look. But do I have too many plants?

it looks crowded and I am not sure what to do when it comes to vacuum time?

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

This my AQ info:
Housing 5.5g Glass Rectangular Tank, 5g filled.
What size is your tank? 5.5 gallon, filled with 5g of water
What temperature is your tank? 78F
Does your tank have a filter? yes
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? no
Is your tank heated? yes
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? 2 Japanese Algae Eating Shrimp (transparent ones), plants, and a plastic leaf hammock

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Omega One & NLS pellets
How often do you feed your betta fish? 2 pellets at night, 2 in the morning if he is up to eating.

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? 25% every other day, 50% each week.

What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 25% every other day, 50% each week, in process of cycling

What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Prime Water Conditioner, Stress Coat+ (50% each), Flourish Excel

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? Yes

If so, what are the following parameters?

as of 1/17/13
Ammonia:0
Nitrite:0
Nitrate:10-20
pH:7.8
Hardness: no idea
Alkalinity: no idea

Not too many plants, but it might look less crowded if you removed them from the pots and split them up. It would look more landscaped, I think.
Also, I don't think doing a 100% WC will restart the cycle. You'll be getting rid of any beneficial bacteria that is already there. Get a water test kit to make sure the levels are okay, and if you need to change the water, do partial changes.

Not too many plants, but it might look less crowded if you removed them from the pots and split them up. It would look more landscaped, I think.
Also, I don't think doing a 100% WC will restart the cycle. You'll be getting rid of any beneficial bacteria that is already there. Get a water test kit to make sure the levels are okay, and if you need to change the water, do partial changes.

so do i get them out of the plastic baskets and remove the cotton stuff of which the hairy roots have grown into it? Do I keep the cotton stuff and plant? I am confused.